System, method and apparatus for cycling device having pedals with independently adjustable resistance

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for exercise has a base with first and second ends. A housing is coupled to the base adjacent to the first end. Wheels are coupled to the housing. The wheels are independently rotatable about a first axis. Pedals can be engaged by a user. Each pedal is coupled to and extend from a respective wheel, and facilitate rotation of the wheels. A resistance mechanism can be coupled to the first housing adjacent to the wheels. The resistance mechanism can independently resist rotation of each of the wheels when the pedals are selectively engaged by the user. An actuator can be coupled to the resistance mechanism and can actuate the resistance mechanism. A control system can be coupled to and control the actuator. The control system can independently vary the resistance to each of the wheels, and can independently stop rotation of each of the wheels.

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat.App. No. 62/847,753, filed May 14, 2019 (Atty. Dkt. 87292-800), which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure generally relates to exercise and, in particular, to asystem, method and apparatus for a rehabilitation and exercise devicewith independently stoppable pedals.

Description of the Related Art

Devices rehabilitating and exercising a user can be used to facilitateosteogenesis and muscle hypertrophy. Such machines typically provide forone type of static or dynamic activity for a user to facilitateosteogenesis and muscle hypertrophy. For users with limited mobility,moving between different machines that facilitate only one type ofactivity can present challenges that limit the ability of the user torehabilitate and exercise.

With osteogenic activity a user may perform an exercise (e.g., benchpress, pull down, arm curl, etc.) using equipment to improveosteogenesis, bone growth, bone density, muscular hypertrophy, or somecombination thereof. Such equipment may include non-movable portions towhich the user exerts a load. For example, to perform some exercises,the user may position themselves on or adjacent the machine, and applyforce to the machine while the body of the user remains in the sameposition. Although conventional solutions are workable, improvementscontinue to be of interest.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides embodiments of a cycling device that canindependently vary the resistance of wheels to maintain selectrotational velocities thereof to enhance osteogenesis, bone growth andbone density improvement.

Embodiments of an apparatus for exercise by a user can include a basehaving first and second ends. A housing can be coupled to the baseadjacent to the first end. Wheels can be coupled to the housing. Thewheels can be independently rotatable about a first axis. Pedals can beengaged by the user. Each pedal can be coupled to and extend from arespective wheel. The pedals can facilitate rotation of the respectivewheels. A resistance mechanism can be coupled to the first housingadjacent to the wheels. The resistance mechanism can independentlyresist rotation of each of the wheels when the pedals are selectivelyengaged by the user. An actuator can be coupled to the resistancemechanism and can actuate the resistance mechanism. A control system canbe coupled to and control the actuator. The control system canindependently vary the resistance to each of the wheels, and canindependently stop rotation of each of the wheels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of various embodiments, reference is made tothe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thedevice.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of thedevice.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of yet another embodiment of thedevice.

FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the device and auser engaging the hand pedals.

FIG. 5B is a partial schematic perspective view of an embodiment of ahousing of the device.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device, shownpartially assembled.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A, shownassembled.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

Various terms are used to refer to particular system components.Different entities may refer to a component by different names—thisdocument does not intend to distinguish between components that differin name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims,the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-endedfashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but notlimited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended tomean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first devicecouples to a second device, that connection may be through a directconnection or through an indirect connection via other devices andconnections.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexample embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As usedherein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. The method steps, processes, and operations described hereinare not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance inthe particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specificallyidentified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood thatadditional or alternative steps may be employed.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections; however,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments. The phrase “at least one of,” when used witha list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of thelisted items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed.For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of thefollowing combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and Band C. In another example, the phrase “one or more” when used with alist of items means there may be one item or any suitable number ofitems exceeding one.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like, may be usedherein. These spatially relative terms can be used for ease ofdescription to describe one element's or feature's relationship toanother element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Thespatially relative terms may also be intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use, or operation, in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented(rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relativedescriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of each of U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,663, issued Mar. 12,2019; U.S. Pat. No. 10,173,094, issued Jan. 8, 2019; U.S. Pat. No.10,173,095, issued Jan. 8, 2019; U.S. Pat. No. 10,173,096, issued Jan.8, 2019; and U.S. Pat. No. 10,173,097, issued Jan. 8, 2019; and U.S.pending patent applications Ser. No. 16/241,167 filed Jan. 7, 2019; Ser.No. 16/812,462 filed Mar. 9, 2020; Ser. No. 16/813,158 filed Mar. 9,2020; Ser. No. 16/813,158 filed Mar. 9, 2020; and Ser. No. 16/813,303filed Mar. 9, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference.

Osteogenesis

As typically healthy people grow from infants to children to adults,they experience bone growth. Such, growth, however, typically stops atapproximately age 30. After that point, without interventions asdescribed herein, bone loss (called osteoporosis), can start to occur.This does not mean that the body stops creating new bone. Rather, itmeans that the rate at which it creates new bone tends to slow, whilethe rate at which bone loss occurs tends to increase.

In addition, as people age and/or become less active than they oncewere, they may experience muscle loss. For example, muscles that are notused often may reduce in muscle mass. As a result, the muscles becomeweaker. In some instances, people may be affected by a disease, such asmuscular dystrophy, that causes the muscles to become progressivelyweaker and to have reduced muscle mass. To increase the muscle massand/or reduce the rate of muscle loss, people may exercise a muscle tocause muscular hypertrophy, thereby strengthening the muscle as themuscle grows. Muscular hypertrophy may refer to an increase in a size ofskeletal muscle through a growth in size of its component cells. Thereare two factors that contribute to muscular hypertrophy, (i)sarcoplasmic hypertrophy (increase in muscle glycogen storage), and (ii)myofibrillar hypertrophy (increase in myofibril size). The growth in thecells may be caused by an adaptive response that serves to increase anability to generate force or resist fatigue.

The rate at which such bone or muscle loss occurs generally acceleratesas people age. A net growth in bone can ultimately become a net loss inbone, longitudinally across time. In an average case, but noting thatsignificant individual variations in age do occur, by the time women areover 50 and men are over 70, net bone loss can reach a point wherebrittleness of the bones is so great that an increased risk oflife-altering fractures can occur. Examples of such fractures includefractures of the hip and femur. Of course, fractures can also occur dueto participation in athletics or due to accidents. In such cases, it isjust as relevant to have a need for bone growth which heals or speedsthe healing of the fracture.

To understand why such fractures occur, it is useful to recognize thatbone is itself porous, with a somewhat-honeycomb like structure. Thisstructure may be dense and therefore stronger or it may be variegated,spread out and/or sparse, such latter structure being incapable ofcontinuously or continually supporting the weight (load) stressesexperienced in everyday living. When such loads exceed the supportcapability of the structure at a stressor point or points, a fractureoccurs. This is true whether the individual had a fragile bone structureor a strong one: it is a matter of physics, of the literal “breakingpoint.”

It is therefore preferable to have a means of mitigating or amelioratingbone loss and of healing fractures; and, further, of encouraging newbone growth, thus increasing the density of the structure describedhereinabove, thus increasing the load-bearing capacities of same, thusmaking first or subsequent fractures less likely to occur, thusimproving the individual's quality of life. The process of bone growthitself is referred to as osteogenesis, literally the creation of bone.

It is also preferable to have a means for mitigating or amelioratingmuscle mass loss and weakening of the muscles. Further, it is preferableto encourage muscle growth by increasing the muscle mass throughexercise. The increased muscle mass may enable a person to exert moreforce with the muscle and/or to resist fatigue in the muscle for alonger period of time.

In order to create new bone, at least three factors are necessary.First, the individual must have a sufficient intake of calcium. However,to absorb that calcium, the individual must have a sufficient intake andabsorption of vitamin D, a matter problematic for those who have cysticfibrosis, who have undergone gastric bypass surgery or have otherabsorption disorders or conditions which limit absorption. Separately,supplemental estrogen for women and supplemental testosterone for mencan further ameliorate bone loss. On the other hand, abuse of alcoholand smoking can harm one's bone structure. Medical conditions such as,without limitation, rheumatoid arthritis, renal disease, overactiveparathyroid glands, diabetes or organ transplants can also exacerbateosteoporosis. Ethical pharmaceuticals such as, without limitation,hormone blockers, seizure medications and glucocorticoids are alsocapable of inducing such exacerbations. But even in the absence ofmedical conditions as described hereinabove, Vitamin D and calcium takentogether may not create osteogenesis to the degree necessary orpossible; or ameliorate bone loss to the degree necessary or possible.

To achieve such a degree of osteogenesis, therefore, one should add inthe third factor: exercise. Specifically, bones are subjected to a forceat least equal to certain multiple of body weight, such multiplesvarying depending on the individual and the specific bone in question.As used herein, “MOB” means Multiples of Body Weight. It has beendetermined through research that subjecting a given bone to a certainthreshold MOB (this may also be known as a “weight-bearing exercise”),even for an extremely short period of time, one simply sufficient toexceed the threshold MOB, encourages and fosters osteogenesis in thatbone.

Further, a person can achieve muscular hypertrophy by exercising themuscles for which increased muscle mass is desired. Strength trainingand/or resistance exercise may cause muscle tissue to increase. Forexample, pushing against or pulling on a stationary object with acertain amount of force may trigger the cells in the associated muscleto change and cause the muscle mass to increase.

This disclosure relates to a machine and methods and apparatusesappurtenant thereto, not only capable of enabling an individual,preferably an older, less mobile individual or preferably an individualrecovering from a fracture, to engage easily in osteogenic exercises,but capable of using predetermined thresholds or dynamically calculatingthem, such that the person using the machine can be immediately informedthrough visual and/or other sensorial feedback, that the osteogenicthreshold has been exceeded, thus triggering osteogenesis for thesubject bone (or bones) and further indicating that the then-presentexercise may be terminated, enabling the person to move to a nextmachine-enabled exercise to enable osteogenesis in a preferablydifferent bone or bones. For those with any or all of theosteoporosis-exacerbating medical conditions described herein, such amachine can slow the rate of net bone loss by enabling osteogenesis tooccur without exertions which would not be possible for someone whosehealth is fragile, not robust. Another benefit can be its ability tospeed the healing of fractures in athletically robust individuals.

Last, while this discussion has focused purely on osteogenesis, anadditional benefit is that partaking in exercises which focus onosteogenesis may, in certain embodiments, also increase muscle strengthand, as a physiological system, musculoskeletal strength.

Hypertrophy

Hypertrophy is defined as an increase in volume or bulk of a tissue ororgan produced entirely by enlargement of existing cells. Hypertrophy asdescribed herein specifically refers to muscle hypertrophy.

Bone Exercises and their Benefits

The following exercises achieve bone strengthening results by exposingrelevant parts of a user to isometric forces which are selectedmultiples of body weight (MOB) of the user, a threshold level abovewhich bone mineral density increases. The specific MOB-multiplethreshold necessary to effect such increases will naturally vary fromindividual to individual and may be more or less for any givenindividual. “Bone-strengthening,” as used herein, specifically includes,without limitation, a process of osteogenesis, whether due to thecreation of new bone as a result of an increase in the bone mineraldensity; or proximately to the introduction or causation ofmicrofractures in the underlying bone. The exercises referred to are asfollows.

Leg Press

An isometric leg-press-style exercise to improve muscular strength inthe following key muscle groups: gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps,spinal extensors and grip muscles as well as to increase resistance toskeletal fractures in leg bones such as the femur. In one example, theleg-press-style exercise can be performed at approximately 4.2 MOB ormore of the user.

Chest Press

An isometric chest press-style exercise to improve muscular strength inthe following key muscle groups: pectorals, deltoids, and tricep andgrip muscles as well as in increasing resistance to skeletal fracturesin the humerus, clavicle, radial, ulnar and rib pectoral regions. In oneexample, the chest-press-style exercise can be performed atapproximately 2.5 MOB or more of the user.

Suitcase Lift

An isometric suitcase-lift-style exercise to improve muscular strengthin the following key muscle groups: gluteals, hamstrings, quadriceps,spinal extensors, abdominals, and upper back and grip muscles as well asto increase resistance to skeletal fractures in the femur and spine. Inone example, the suitcase-lift-style exercise can be performed atapproximately 2.5 MOB or more of the user.

Arm Curl

An isometric arm-curl-style exercise to improve muscular strength in thefollowing key muscle groups: biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis, gripmuscles and trunk as well as in increasing resistance to skeletalfractures in the humerus, ribs and spine. In one example, thearm-curl-style exercise can be performed at approximately 1.5 MOB ormore of the user.

Core Pull

An isometric core pull-style exercise to improve muscular strength inthe following key muscle groups: elbow flexors, grip muscles, latissimusdorsi, hip flexors and trunk as well as in increasing resistance toskeletal fractures in the ribs and spine. In one example, thecore-pull-style exercise can be performed at approximately 1.5 MOB ormore of the user.

Grip Strength

A grip strengthening-style exercise which may preferably be situatedaround a station in an exercise machine, in order to improve strength inthe muscles of the hand and forearm. Grip strength is medically salientbecause it has been positively correlated with a better state of health.

In the following description, details are set forth to facilitate anunderstanding of the present disclosure. In some instances, certainstructures and techniques have not been described or shown in detail inorder not to obscure the disclosure.

The following discussion is directed to various embodiments. Althoughthese embodiments are given as examples, the embodiments disclosedshould not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope ofthe disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one of ordinary skillin the art will understand that the following description has broadapplication. The discussion of any embodiment is meant only to beexemplary of that embodiment. Thus, the discussion is not intended tointimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, islimited to that embodiment.

Exercise machines can provide isometric exercises to facilitateosteogenesis and muscle hypertrophy. Such exercise machines can includeequipment in which there are no moving parts while the user isperforming an isometric exercise. While there may be some flexing underload, pnincidental movement resulting from the tolerances ofinterlocking parts, and parts that can move while performing adjustmentson the exercise machines, these flexions and movements can comprise,without limitation, exercise machines capable of isometric exercise andrehabilitation. In addition, such exercise machines may also includeequipment or devices including moving parts to provide dynamic exercisesto facilitate osteogenesis and muscle hypertrophy. A dynamic exercisecan be, but is not limited to an exercise where a user participates inan activity where the user moves and some resistance or load is providedagainst the movement of the user.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate embodiments of an apparatus 20 for exercise orrehabilitation of a user. The apparatus 20 can be a cycling device thatcan be used for exercise and/or rehabilitation. The apparatus 20comprises a base 22 having a pair of sides 24 and first and second ends26, 28. In the present embodiment of the base 22, and as illustrated inthe drawings, the base 22 is rectangular. However, the base 22 could beof any shape. For example, the base 22 could be rounded or square. Inaddition, in the present embodiment of the base 22, the pair of sides 24and the ends 26, 28 can taper. For an individual who has limitedmobility, the taper of the pair of sides 24 and ends 26, 28 allows forease of ingress and egress onto and off of, respectively, the base 22.However, the base 22 could have raised rectangular edges, and the base22 may include a step for ingress and egress onto and off of the base22. To assist the individual with limited mobility, slip pads 30 can becoupled to the base 22 adjacent each side 24 to prevent slipping duringingress and egress onto and off of the base 22.

FIGS. 1-5B illustrate embodiments of a cycling device having pedals withindependently adjustable resistance. For example, one version includes afirst housing 32 that can be coupled to the base 22. The first housing32 can be disposed adjacent to the first end 24. The first housing 32can have first and second sides 34, 36 spaced from one another, and anouter surface 38 positioned between the first and second sides 34, 36.The first and second sides 34, 36, and the outer surface 38 can define acavity, not shown, of the first housing 32. The first housing 32 canpresent first and second openings 40, 42 in the first and second sides34, 36, respectively.

In some embodiments of the apparatus 20, and as best illustrated inFIGS. 1 & 5A, a first structure 74 can be coupled to and extend from thefirst housing 32. For example, the first structure 74 can comprise aframe member, such as a beam. The first structure 74 can have a thirdend 76. In addition, a second structure 78 can be pivotably coupled tothe third end 76 of the first structure 74. The second structure 78 maycomprise a frame member, such as a beam. The second structure 78 caninclude a fourth end 80. It should be appreciated that the structures74, 78 may include telescopic portions such that their respectivelengths can be adjusted by the user. Handles 50 also may be coupled tothe fourth end 80 of the second structure 78. In such an embodiment, asecond housing 82 can be coupled to the fourth end 80 of the secondstructure 78. The second housing 82 can define a second cavity, which isnot numbered or shown.

In various embodiments of the apparatus 20, a seat 46 can be coupled tothe base 22, and the seat 46 can be spaced from the first housing 32towards the second end 28. The seat 46 can be configured to support theuser. In one embodiment, and as illustrated in the FIGS. 1 and 5A, thebase 22 can define a groove 44 that extends from the first housing 30towards the second end 28. The seat 46 can be coupled to and slid withinthe groove 44 between a plurality of positions, and the seat 46 can belockable in any one of the plurality of positions. For example, the seat46 may be coupled to and slid within the groove 44 by rollers, and theseat 46 could be locked in any one of the plurality of positions by aratcheting type mechanism. However, one of skill in the art willappreciate that alternative means can be used to couple the seat 46 tothe groove 44, and to allow the seat 46 to slide within the groove 44and be lockable in a plurality of positions. The seat 46 may alsocomprise a back 48 and a pair of handles 50. One of skill in the artwill appreciate that there are many variations for the seat 46 thatcould be used. For example, the back 48 could be adjustable between aplurality of positions. Moreover, the seat 46 may include an audiooutput device, an audio receiving device, a biometric sensor, a hapticfeedback device and/or other suitable device(s).

In certain embodiments, the apparatus 20 can have first wheels 52coupled to the base 22. The first wheels 52 can be a pair of firstwheels 52, and the first wheels 52 may be flywheels. The first wheels 52can be coupled to the first housing 32, and the first wheels 52 can beindependently rotatable about a first axis A. In FIGS. 1 and 5A, thefirst wheels 52 can be coupled to the first housing 32 in the cavity,and the first wheels 52 can be partially coupled to the first and secondopenings 40, 42, respectively. One of skill in the art will appreciatethat the first wheels 52 may be coupled to the base 22 by various meansknown in the art. As one example, and with reference to FIG. 2, asupport beam 54 can extend from the base 22 to a first axial 56, wherethe first axial 56 extends along the first axis A. In this embodiment,the first wheels 52 can be coupled to and independently rotatable aboutthe first axial 56.

In some embodiments, pedals 58 can be coupled to and extend from arespective first wheel 52. The pedals 58 can be configured to be engagedby the user, and the pedals 58 can facilitate rotation of the respectivefirst wheels 52. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pedals 58 can bemovably coupled to the first wheels 52. More specifically, the pedals 58can be adjusted radially by the user to various positions to accommodatethe needs of the user. During use of the apparatus 20, the user can sitin the seat 46 and engage the pedals 58. It should be readilyappreciated that the user may adjust the seat 46 and/or the pedals 58 toa desired position to accommodate the needs of the user for exercise orrehabilitation. When the user engages the pedals 58, the user may applya force to respective pedals 58 to engage and cause rotation of arespective first wheel 52. By engaging respective pedals 58 and applyinga force to the same, the user, to support osteogenesis, engages variousmuscles to push the respective pedals 58.

In yet another embodiment of the apparatus 20 (FIG. 5A), second wheels84 can be coupled to and coupled to the cavity of the second housing 82.The second wheels 84 can be a pair of wheels, and the second wheels 84may be flywheels. One of skill in the art will appreciate that thesecond wheels 84 may be coupled to the second housing 82 by variousmeans known in the art. For example, a second axial 100 can be coupledto the second housing 82, and the second axial 100 extends along asecond axis B. In this embodiment, the second wheels 84 can be coupledto and independently rotatable about the second axial 100.

In certain embodiment of the apparatus 20, the hand pedals 86 can becoupled to and extend from a respective second wheel 84. The hand pedals86 can be configured to be engaged by a user, and the hand pedals 86 canbe configured to facilitate rotation of the respective second wheels 84.Similar to the pedals 58, when the user engages the hand pedals 86, theuser may apply a force to a respective hand pedals 86 to engage andcause rotation of a respective second wheels 84. By engaging therespective hand pedals 86 and applying forces to the same, the user, tosupport osteogenesis, can engage various muscles to push and pull therespective hand pedals 86.

To further support osteogenesis during use of the apparatus 20 by auser, the apparatus 20 can include a first resistance mechanism 60. InFIG. 2, the resistance mechanism 60 can be coupled to the base 22, andthe first resistance mechanism 60 can be coupled to the first housing 32adjacent to the first wheels 52. When the first pedals 59 areselectively engaged by the user, the first resistance mechanism 60 canbe configured to resist rotation of each of the first wheels 52. In yetanother embodiment, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 5 a, a secondresistance mechanism 88 can be coupled to and coupled to the secondhousing 82 adjacent to the second wheels 84. When the hand pedals 86 areselectively engaged by the user, the second resistance mechanism 88 canbe configured to resist rotation of the second wheels 84. It is to beappreciated that in the embodiments of this disclosure, the resistancemechanisms 60, 88 are similar in structure and operation for resistingrotation of the wheels 52, 84. Accordingly, the following disclosurediscusses the various embodiments of the resistance mechanisms 60, 88with specific reference to the first resistance mechanism 60. However,such similarities between the resistance mechanisms 60, 88 of thepresent disclosure are not meant to be limiting. The resistancemechanisms 60, 88 may differ in structure and operation for resistingrotations of the wheels 52, 84 such that the first resistance mechanism60 comprises one of the below embodiments, and the second resistancemechanism 88 is comprise of another of the below embodiments. Moreover,one or both of the resistance mechanisms 60, 88 may resist rotation ofthe wheels 52, 84 by any means known in the art.

In one embodiment (FIG. 3), the resistance mechanism 160 can comprise afriction brake 162 that can have a brake pad to frictionally engage arespective first wheel 52 to resist rotation thereof. More specifically,the resistance mechanism 160 pushes a respective brake pad 162 into therespective first wheel. It is to be appreciated that the friction brake162 may frictionally engage the first wheels 152 in any manner known inthe art. For example, the friction brake 162 may comprise two brake padsthat push together to frictionally engage and resist rotation of arespective first wheel 152.

In another embodiment, and with reference to FIG. 4, the resistancemechanism 260 can comprise ratchet wheels 264 and lever arms 266 thatcan be configured to be rotated to engage the respective ratchet wheels264. More specifically, each of the first wheels 252 can comprise theratchet wheels 264, and lever arms 266 can be rotatably coupled to thebase 22. The lever arms 266 can be configured to rotate to engage therespective ratchet wheels 264 to resist rotation of the first wheels252. It is to be appreciated that the lever arms 266 can beindependently rotatable to engage a respective ratchet wheel 264 of arespective first wheel 252 to resist rotation thereof.

In yet another embodiment (not illustrated), the resistance mechanism360 may be coupled to the first wheels 352 to provide an eddy current toa respective first wheel 352 to resist rotation of thereof. It is alsocontemplated that the eddy current can be applied to another structurethat is coupled to the first wheel 352. The eddy current can induce amagnetic flux that can be configured to resist rotation of therespective first wheels 352. The resistance mechanism 360 can have anelectromagnet or transformer for providing the eddy current to induce amagnetic flux that can be configured to resist rotation of therespective first wheels 352. It is also contemplated that the firstwheels 352 can be coupled to a fluid, wherein resistance mechanism 360could pass an electric current through the fluid to change at least onephysical property of the fluid to resist rotation of a respective firstwheel 352. For example, the fluid could be contained within the firsthousing 332, and the first wheel 352 is submerged in a fluid. However,other embodiments wherein the first wheel 352 is partially submerged ina fluid are contemplated.

In most embodiments, the apparatus 20 can further comprise a firstactuator 68 that can be coupled to the resistance mechanism 60. Thefirst actuator 68 can be configured to actuate the resistance mechanism60. In some embodiments (FIG. 5B), a second actuator 90 can be coupledto and coupled to the second housing 82. The second actuator 90 can becoupled to the second resistance mechanism 88, and the second actuator90 can be configured to actuate the second resistance mechanism 88. Whenthe resistance mechanisms 60, 88 are actuated by the respectiveactuators 68, 90, the resistance mechanisms 60, 88 can resist rotationof the respective wheels 52, 84. It is to be appreciated that theactuators 68, 90 can be of any type of actuator known in the art. Forexample, the actuators 68, 90 may be, without limitation, a linearactuator, haptic actuator, manual or automatic actuator, pneumaticactuator, electrical actuator, or hydraulic actuator. The actuators 68,90 may be similar in structure and operation, or they may differ.

In yet another embodiment (FIGS. 2-4) the apparatus 20 can comprise afirst motor 70 that can be coupled to the base 22 and coupled to thefirst housing 32 adjacent to the first wheels 52. The first motor 70 canbe releasably coupled to or configured to engage the respective firstwheels 52 to affect independent rotation of the first wheels 52. Byregulating rotation of the first wheels 52, the first motor 70 canaffect the independent rotation of the first wheels 52. In someembodiments of the apparatus 20, a second motor 92 can be coupled to andcoupled to the second housing 82 adjacent to the second wheels 84. Thesecond motor 92 can be releasably coupled to or configured to engage thesecond wheels 84 to regulate independent rotation of the second wheels84.

It is to be appreciated that the apparatus 20 could comprise a motorcoupled to each of the wheels 52, 84 and each motor is configured toaffect or regulate the independent rotation of a respective wheel 52,84. Moreover, the motors 70, 92 affect or regulate the independentrotation of the wheels 52, 84 by engaging the wheels 52, 84 andselectively causing or resisting rotation of the wheels 52, 84. Themotors 70, 92 can engage the wheels 52, 84 by any means known in theart. In one example, the motors 70, 92 could engage gears to causerotation of the wheels 52, 84. It is to be appreciated that the motors70, 92 can operate congruently with or independently of the resistancemechanisms 60, 88 to affect or regulate the rotation of the wheels 52,84. In certain embodiments, the motors 70, 92 can cause rotation of thewheels 52, 84, and the motors 70, 92 can resist rotation of the wheels52, 84. In other embodiments with the motors 70, 92 and the resistancemechanisms 60, 88, the motors 70, 92 can rotate the wheels 52, 84 andthe resistance mechanisms 60, 88 can resist or stop rotation of thewheels 52, 84 when the motor 70, 92 stops rotating the wheels 52, 84.For regulating or affecting the rotation of the wheels 52, 84, thepresent disclosure allows for many variations and combinations of themotors 70, 92 and the resistance mechanisms 60, 88.

In a further embodiment of the apparatus 20, a control system 94 can becoupled to the actuators 68, 90, and the control system 94 can beconfigured to control the actuators 68, 90. Moreover, the control system94 can be configured to independently vary the resistance to each of thewheels 52, 84 to maintain a select rotational velocity thereof, and toindependently stop rotation of the wheels 52, 84. More specifically, thecontrol system 94 can control the actuators 68, 90 to activate theresistance mechanisms 60, 88 to independently vary the resistance of thewheels 52, 84. In certain embodiments, the control system 94 can becoupled to the motors 70, 92, and the control system 94 can beconfigured to control the motors 70, 92. Additionally, the controlsystem 94 can be configured to independently maintain select rotationalvelocities of the wheels 52, 84, and to independently stop rotation ofthe wheels 52, 84. More specifically, the control system 94 can controlthe motors 70, 92 to independently maintain select rotational velocitiesof the wheels 52, 84 by rotating, resisting, or stopping rotation of thewheels 52, 84. It is to be appreciated that the control system 94 maycontrol the actuators 68, 90 and/or the motors 70, 92 simultaneously orindependently to maintain the select rotational velocities of the wheels52, 84. For communicating the rotational velocities or accelerations ofthe wheels 52, 84 to the control system 94, the control system 94 mayalso include sensors located on the user or coupled to the wheels 52,84. With the rotational velocities or accelerations received from thesensors, the control system 94 can determine, with a processor of thecontrol system 94, a select rotational velocity of the wheels 52, 84.The control system 94 can then control the motors 70, 92 and/or theactuators 68, 90 to maintain the select rotational velocities of thewheels 52, 84.

During use of the apparatus 20 by a user, when the user applies a forceto the pedals 58 and/or the hand pedals 86, the control system 94 canmaintain a constant rotational velocity between each of the wheels 52,84. Alternatively, the wheels 52, 84 can be mechanically interconnected.For example, the wheels 52, 84 could be mechanically interconnected by achain, belt, gear system, or any other means to maintain a constantrotational velocity between the wheels 52, 84.

In some embodiment of the apparatus 20 (FIGS. 1 and 5A), a switch 96 canbe disposed on the first housing 32 for activating the control system94. In another embodiment, a button, not illustrated, may be disposed onthe first housing 32 for activating the control system 94. In yetanother embodiment, a display 98, such as a computer screen, iPad, orlike device, can be coupled to the apparatus 20 to activate the controlsystem 94. The switch 96, display 98, and/or button may be coupled tothe apparatus 20 by alternative or other means. For example, the switch96, display 98, and/or button could be coupled to the handle 50 or theseat 46. It is further to be appreciated that alternative means could beused to activate the control system 94 and the use of the switch 96,display 98, or button, is not meant to be limiting.

In another embodiment, one or more biometric sensors, not shown, may becoupled to the apparatus 20 for activating the control system 94. Thebiometric sensor could be for, inter alia, detection, recognition,validation and/or analysis of data relating to: facial characteristics;a fingerprint, hand, eye (iris), or voice signature; DNA; and/orhandwriting. In yet another embodiment, the biometric sensor cancomprise position sensors located on the user. In addition, it iscontemplated that advancements of such biometric sensors may result inalternative sensors that could be incorporated in the apparatus 20,i.e., biometric type sensors not currently on the market may beutilized. Further, the one or more biometric sensors may comprise abiometric system, which may be standalone or integrated.

The present disclosure can include a method for facilitating exercise ofa user. The method can comprise a step of providing a cycling apparatushaving independently rotatable wheels 52, 84 with pedals 58 and/or handpedals 86. Examples of such cycling apparatus having independentlyrotatable wheels 52, 84 with pedals 58 and/or hand pedals 86 aredescribed above in the embodiment of apparatus 20. However, one of skillin the art will appreciate that other cycling apparatuses may be used tofacilitate the method. Another step of the method can comprise engagingand applying forces to the pedals 58 and/or hand pedals 86. For example,a user may engage the pedals 58 with feet and the hand pedals 86 withhands. When the pedals 58 and the hand pedals 86 are engaged, muscles ofthe user in the legs, feet, arms and/or hands can be activated by theuser to apply forces to the respective pedals 58 and the hand pedals 86.The method can also comprise the steps of sensing a rotational velocityof each of the wheels 52, 84, and calculating a selected rotationalvelocity for each of the wheels 52, 84. As one example, the controlsystem 94 of the apparatus 20 may sense a rotational velocity of thewheels 52, 84 with a sensor, and the control system 94 can thendetermine the rotational velocity of each of the wheels 52, 84.Moreover, the control system 94 can calculate a select rotationalvelocity for each of the wheels 52, 84. Yet another step of the methodcan comprise selectively and independently resisting rotation of thewheels 52, 84 to maintain the select rotational velocity of each wheel52, 84. In some embodiments of the apparatus 20, the control system 94can selectively and independently control the motors 70, 92 and/or theactuators 68, 90 to resist rotation of the wheels 52, 84 to maintain theselected rotation velocity of each wheel 52, 84.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device 600,shown partially assembled. Device 600 includes a floor mat and specialcaps for legs on conventional furniture, such as a chair or sofa. Insome versions, the conventional furniture is not included. FIG. 6B is aperspective view of the device 600, shown assembled and engaging thefloor mat, caps and conventional furniture.

1. An apparatus for exercise by a user, the apparatus comprising:

a base having first and second ends;

a housing coupled to the base and disposed adjacent to the first end;

wheels coupled to the housing, and the wheels are independentlyrotatable about a first axis;

pedals configured to be engaged by the user, wherein each pedal iscoupled to and extends from a respective wheel, and the pedalsfacilitate rotation of the respective wheels;

a resistance mechanism coupled to the first housing adjacent to thewheels, and the resistance mechanism is configured to independentlyresist rotation of each of the wheels when the pedals are selectivelyengaged by the user;

an actuator coupled to the resistance mechanism and configured toactuate the resistance mechanism; and

a control system coupled to the actuator and configured to control theactuator, and the control system is configured to independently vary theresistance to each of the wheels, and to independently stop rotation ofeach of the wheels.

2. The apparatus, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises a frictionbrake having a brake pad to frictionally engage a respective wheel toresist rotation thereof.

3. The apparatus, wherein each of the wheels comprises a ratchet wheel,and lever arms configured to be rotated by the actuator to engage therespective ratchet wheels.

4. The apparatus, wherein the resistance mechanism is coupled to thewheels to provide an eddy current to a respective wheel when theactuator activates the resistance mechanism.

5. The apparatus, wherein the control system is activated by a switch onthe first housing.

6. The apparatus, wherein the control system is activated by a button onthe first housing.

7. The apparatus, wherein the control system is activated by a biometricsensor.

8. The apparatus, wherein the control system comprises a sensor, and thesensor is configured to detect the rotational velocity of the wheels.

9. The apparatus, wherein the wheels are flywheels.

10. The apparatus, further comprising a seat coupled to the base andspaced from the first housing towards the second end, wherein the seatis configured to support the user on the apparatus.

11. An apparatus for use for exercise, the apparatus comprising:

a base having first and second ends;

a housing coupled to the base and disposed adjacent to the first end;

a seat coupled to the base and spaced from the housing towards thesecond end, wherein the seat is configured to support a user using theapparatus;

wheels coupled to the housing, and the wheels are independentlyrotatable about a first axis;

pedals configured to be engaged by a user, wherein each pedal is coupledto and extends from a respective wheel, and the pedals facilitaterotation of the wheels;

a motor coupled to the housing adjacent to the wheels, and the motor isreleasably coupled to the respective wheels to affect independentrotation of the wheels when the pedals are selectively engaged by theuser; and

a control system coupled to the motor and configured to control themotor, and the control system configured to independently maintainselect rotational velocities of the wheels, and to independently stoprotation of each of the wheels.

12. An apparatus for use by a user for exercise, the apparatuscomprising:

a base having first and second ends;

a housing coupled to the base and disposed adjacent to the first end;

wheels coupled to the housing, and the wheels are independentlyrotatable about a first axis;

pedals configured to be engaged by a user, wherein each pedal is coupledto and extends from a respective wheel, and the pedals facilitaterotation of the wheels;

a resistance mechanism coupled to the housing adjacent to the wheels,and the resistance mechanism is configured to selectively resistrotation of the wheels when the pedals are selectively engaged by theuser;

an actuator coupled to the resistance mechanism and configured toactuate the resistance mechanism;

a motor coupled to the housing adjacent to the wheels, and the motor isreleasably coupled to the respective wheels to affect independentrotation of the wheels when the pedals are selectively engaged by theuser; and

a control system coupled to and configured to control the motor and theactuator, wherein the control system is configured to maintain selectrotational velocities of each wheel, and configured to independentlystop rotation of each of the wheels.

13. An apparatus for use by a user in exercise and rehabilitation, theapparatus comprising:

a base having first and second ends;

a first housing coupled to the base and disposed adjacent to the firstend;

first wheels coupled to the first housing, and the first wheels areindependently rotatable about a first axis;

pedals configured to be engaged by the user, wherein each pedal iscoupled to and extends from a respective first wheel, and the pedalsfacilitate rotation of the respective first wheels;

a first resistance mechanism coupled to the first housing adjacent tothe first wheels, and the resistance mechanism is configured toindependently resist rotation of each of the first wheels when thepedals are selectively engaged by the user;

a first actuator coupled to the first resistance mechanism andconfigured to actuate the first resistance mechanism;

a first structure coupled to and extending from the first housing, andthe first structure has a third end;

a second structure pivotably coupled to the third end of the firststructure, and the second structure has a fourth end;

a second housing coupled to the fourth end of the second structure;

second wheels coupled to the second housing, and the second wheels areindependently rotatable about a second axis;

hand pedals configured to be engaged by a user, wherein each hand pedalis coupled to and extends from a respective second wheel, and the handpedals are configured to facilitate rotation thereof;

a second resistance mechanism coupled to the second housing adjacent tothe second wheels, and the second resistance mechanism is configured toresist rotation of the second wheels when the hand pedals areselectively engaged by the user;

a second actuator coupled to the second resistance mechanism andconfigured to actuate the second resistance mechanism; and

a control system coupled to and configured to control the first andsecond actuators, and the control system is configured to independentlyvary the resistance to each of the first and second wheels, and toindependently stop rotation of each of the first and second wheels.

14. The apparatus, wherein, when the user applies a force to the pedalsand hand pedals, the control system maintains a constant rotationalvelocity of the first and second wheels.

15. The apparatus, wherein the first wheels and the second wheels aremechanically interconnected for causing rotation of the first and secondwheels.

16. An apparatus for use by a user in exercise and rehabilitation, theapparatus comprising:

a base having first and second ends;

a first housing coupled to the base and disposed adjacent to the firstend;

first wheels coupled to the first housing and the first wheels areindependently rotatable about a first axis;

pedals configured to be engaged by a user during use of the apparatus,wherein each pedal is coupled to and extends from a respective firstwheel, and the pedals facilitate rotation of the first wheels;

a first resistance mechanism coupled to the first housing adjacent tothe first wheels, and the resistance mechanism is configured toindependently resist rotation of the first wheels when the pedals areselectively engaged by the user;

a first actuator coupled to the first resistance mechanism andconfigured to actuate the first resistance mechanism;

a first structure coupled to and extending upwardly from the firsthousing, and the first structure has a third end;

a second structure pivotably coupled to the third end of the firststructure, and the second structure has a fourth end;

a second housing coupled to the fourth end of the second structure;

second wheels coupled to the second housing, and the second wheels areindependently rotatable about a second axis;

hand pedals configured to be engaged by a user during use of theapparatus, wherein each hand pedal is coupled to and extends from arespective second wheel, and the hand pedals facilitate rotation of thesecond wheels when the hand pedals are selectively engaged by the user;

a second resistance mechanism coupled to the second housing adjacent tothe second wheels, and the second resistance mechanism is configured toindependently resist rotation of the second wheels when the hand pedalsare selectively engaged by the user;

a second actuator coupled to the second resistance mechanism andconfigured to actuate the second resistance mechanism;

a first motor coupled to the first housing adjacent the first wheels,and the first motor is configured to releasably engage the first wheelsto regulate rotation of the first wheels;

a second motor coupled to the second housing adjacent to the secondwheels, and the second motor is configured to releasably engage andregulate rotation of the second wheels; and

a control system coupled to the motors and actuators and configured tocontrol the motors and actuators, and the control system is configuredto maintain select rotational velocities of each of the wheels, andconfigured to independently stop rotation of each of the wheels.

17. An apparatus for use by a user in exercise and rehabilitation, theapparatus comprising:

a base having first and second ends;

a first housing coupled to the base and disposed adjacent to the firstend;

first wheels coupled to the first housing and the first wheels areindependently rotatable about a first axis;

pedals configured to be engaged by a user during use of the apparatus,wherein each pedal is coupled to and extends from a respective firstwheel, and the pedals facilitate rotation of the first wheels;

a first structure coupled to and extending upwardly from the firsthousing, and the first structure has a third end;

a second structure pivotably coupled to the third end of the firststructure, and the second structure has a fourth end;

a second housing coupled to the fourth end of the second structure;

second wheels coupled to the second housing, and the second wheels areindependently rotatable about a second axis;

hand pedals configured to be engaged by a user during use of theapparatus, wherein each hand pedal is coupled to and extends from arespective second wheel, and the hand pedals facilitate rotation of thesecond wheels when the hand pedals are selectively engaged by the user;

a first motor coupled to the first housing adjacent the first wheels,and the first motor is configured to releasably engage the first wheelsto regulate rotation of the first wheels;

a second motor coupled to the second housing adjacent to the secondwheels, and the second motor is configured to releasably engage thesecond wheels to regulate rotation of the second wheels; and

a control system coupled to and configured to control the motors, andwherein the control system is configured to maintain select rotationalvelocities of the wheels, and configured to independently stop rotationof each of the wheels.

18. A system for facilitating exercise and rehabilitation of a user, thesystem comprising:

a base;

wheels coupled to the base and the wheels independently rotate about afirst axis;

pedals configured to be engaged by the user, wherein each pedal iscoupled to a respective wheel to facilitate rotation of the respectivewheels, when the user applies force to the respective pedals;

a resistance mechanism disposed adjacent the wheels, and the resistancemechanism configured to selectively resist rotation of the wheels;

an actuator coupled to the resistance mechanism for actuating theresistance mechanism; and

a control system coupled to the actuator for controlling the actuator toactuate the resistance mechanism and independently vary the resistanceto the wheels, and to independently stop rotation of each of the wheels.

19. A method for facilitating exercise of a user, the method comprising:

providing a cycling apparatus having independently rotatable wheels withpedals;

engaging and applying forces to the pedals;

sensing a rotational velocity of each of the wheels;

calculating a rotational velocity for each of the wheels; and

selectively and independently resisting rotation of the wheels tomaintain the respective rotational velocity of each wheel.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Theembodiments disclosed herein are modular in nature and can be used inconjunction with or coupled to other embodiments.

This disclosure is meant to be illustrative of the principles andvarious embodiments. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions toproblems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments.However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and anyfeature(s) that can cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occuror become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical,required, sacrosanct or an essential feature of any or all the claims.Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It isintended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all suchvariations and modifications.

Consistent with the above disclosure, the examples of assembliesenumerated in the following clauses are specifically contemplated andare intended as a non-limiting set of examples.

1. An apparatus for exercise by a user, the apparatus comprising: a basehaving first and second ends; a housing coupled to the base adjacent tothe first end; wheels coupled to the housing, and the wheels areindependently rotatable about a first axis; pedals configured to beengaged by the user, wherein each pedal is coupled to and extends from arespective wheel, and the pedals facilitate rotation of the respectivewheels; a resistance mechanism coupled to the first housing adjacent tothe wheels, and the resistance mechanism is configured to independentlyresist rotation of each of the wheels when the pedals are selectivelyengaged by the user; an actuator coupled to the resistance mechanism andconfigured to actuate the resistance mechanism; and a control systemcoupled to and configured to control the actuator, the control system isconfigured to independently vary the resistance to each of the wheels,and to independently stop rotation of each of the wheels.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises afriction brake having a brake pad to frictionally engage a respectivewheel to resist rotation thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereineach of the wheels comprises a ratchet wheel, and lever arms configuredto be rotated by the actuator to engage the respective ratchet wheels.4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resistance mechanism is coupledto the wheels to provide an eddy current to a respective wheel when theactuator activates the resistance mechanism.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the control system is activated by a switch or button on thefirst housing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control systemis activated by a biometric sensor.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe control system comprises a sensor, and the sensor is configured todetect a rotational velocity of the wheels.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the wheels comprise flywheels.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a seat coupled to the base and spaced from the firsthousing towards the second end, wherein the seat is configured tosupport the user on the apparatus.
 10. An apparatus for exercise by auser, the apparatus comprising: a base having first and second ends; ahousing coupled to the base adjacent to the first end; wheels coupled tothe housing, and the wheels are independently rotatable about a firstaxis; pedals configured to be engaged by the user, wherein each pedal iscoupled to and extends from a respective wheel, and the pedalsfacilitate rotation of the respective wheels; a resistance mechanismcoupled to the first housing adjacent to the wheels, the resistancemechanism is configured to independently resist rotation of each of thewheels when the pedals are selectively engaged by the user, and theresistance mechanism is coupled to the wheels to provide an eddy currentto a respective wheel when the actuator activates the resistancemechanism; an actuator coupled to the resistance mechanism andconfigured to actuate the resistance mechanism; and a control systemcoupled to and configured to control the actuator, the control system isconfigured to independently vary the resistance to each of the wheels,and to independently stop rotation of each of the wheels.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises afriction brake having a brake pad to frictionally engage a respectivewheel to resist rotation thereof.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, whereineach of the wheels comprises a ratchet wheel, and lever arms configuredto be rotated by the actuator to engage the respective ratchet wheels.13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the control system is activatedby a biometric sensor.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein thecontrol system comprises a sensor, and the sensor is configured todetect a rotational velocity of the wheels.
 15. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the wheels comprise flywheels.
 16. The apparatus of claim10, further comprising a seat coupled to the base and spaced from thefirst housing towards the second end, wherein the seat is configured tosupport the user on the apparatus.
 17. An apparatus for exercise orrehabilitation of a user, the apparatus comprising: a base having firstand second ends; a first housing coupled to the base adjacent to thefirst end; first wheels coupled to the first housing, and the firstwheels are independently rotatable about a first axis; pedals configuredto be engaged by the user, wherein each pedal is coupled to and extendsfrom a respective first wheel, and the pedals facilitate rotation of therespective first wheels; a first resistance mechanism coupled to thefirst housing adjacent to the first wheels, and the resistance mechanismis configured to independently resist rotation of each of the firstwheels when the pedals are selectively engaged by the user; a firstactuator coupled to the first resistance mechanism and configured toactuate the first resistance mechanism; a first structure coupled to andextending from the first housing, and the first structure has a thirdend; a second structure pivotably coupled to the third end of the firststructure, and the second structure has a fourth end; a second housingcoupled to the fourth end of the second structure; second wheels coupledto the second housing, and the second wheels are independently rotatableabout a second axis; hand pedals configured to be engaged by a user,wherein each hand pedal is coupled to and extends from a respectivesecond wheel, and the hand pedals are configured to facilitate rotationthereof; a second resistance mechanism coupled to the second housingadjacent to the second wheels, and the second resistance mechanism isconfigured to resist rotation of the second wheels when the hand pedalsare selectively engaged by the user; a second actuator coupled to thesecond resistance mechanism and configured to actuate the secondresistance mechanism; and a control system coupled to and configured tocontrol the first and second actuators, and the control system isconfigured to independently vary the resistance to each of the first andsecond wheels, and to independently stop rotation of each of the firstand second wheels.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, when the userapplies a force to the pedals and hand pedals, the control systemmaintains a constant rotational velocity of the first and second wheels.19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first wheels and the secondwheels are mechanically interconnected for causing rotation of the firstand second wheels.